Spring Cleaning

Wow, what a mild winter! I'm sure that some of you have already completed your spring boat cleaning. It seems like every other week during this winter has felt like spring. For those of us who have not finished our prep for the season, here are a few tips to make sure you vessels are ready for the season. First of all, complete all off your seasonal maintenance. If you use a boat dealer for your service, time is running out for beating the rush of the procrastinators. I took mine in last week and they completed the job the same day! Once you have completed the maintenance, it is time to clean the ENTIRE BOAT! Start by getting EVERYTHING out of the boat. Not only will it make the cleaning easy, you will be able to inspect and replace any worn or unsafe equipment. More tips to come.....

"Take a Friend Boating"

I am truly blessed! I have a beautiful wife, four wonderful children and two exciting grandchildren. I also have some of the most wonderful friends any man could hope for. Yesterday was another wonderful time on the water. The best times on the water are spent with family and friends. We did a little "Dock Hoppin", floated around a bit and topped it of with a most wonderful sunset. It always amazes me that the best days on the water just happen. Sometimes making plans just gets in the way of having fun. So, the next time you get out on the water, make sure to take a friend along. They will thank you many times over for the experience.

"Bridge Clearance"

I was speaking with a buddy of mine today and the subject of bridge clearance came up. So I thought it would be a good idea to mention the importance of knowing the bridge clearances in your boating area. First of all you should know how much clearance is needed for your vessel to pass safely under a bridge. You can determine the amount of clearance needed by measuring from the waterline to the highest point on your vessel. Most lakes have websites that give bridge clearance information. If you are having a problem getting the bridge clearance information, contact your state DNR or the Coast Guard and they will tell you where to find the information. On inland lakes and rivers, the distance is stated at "Full Pool". You then must make any adjustment for increases or decreases in levels. Coastal boaters need to check the Coast Pilot and local Notice to Mariners for changes to the Coast Pilot. All clearance information can be found in these publications. Don't get caught short on your next voyage. Make sure you can get under that next bridge.

"Right of Way"

The term right-of-way does not appear in the Navigation Rules. However, that does not mean that we can go in all directions disregarding other vessels. Certain situations require right-of-way practices. The official terms used the Rules of the Road pertaining to meeting and passing other vessels are "stand-on vessel" and "give-way vessel". The U.S. Inland Rules also call for whistle signals to given in certain situations. Smaller vessels us their horn for these signals. When meeting another power-driven vessel head-on, you should keep to the right and pass the other vessel port-to-port(left side to left side). The proper signal is one short blast of the horn by one vessel answered by the other vessel with the same signal. If a vessel is far enough to your right so as to pass safely, you should signal two short blast to be answered by the other vessel with the same signal. Then you can safely pass starboard-to starboard. In a crossing situation, a vessel in your danger zone has the right-of-way if coming toward you and is considered the stand-on vessel. The danger zone is the arc from dead ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft(behind)the starboard beam. This arc is also the arc of the starboard sidelight used in night navigation. The opposite would apply for vessels approaching your port danger zone. In an overtaking situation, the boat being overtaken has the right-of-way. If the overtaking boat plans to pass to the left, the skipper should sound two short blasts of the horn. If passing to the right, one short blast. There is one more signal that you need to know when encountering another vessel and that is the danger signal. If you feel the action indicated by the signal is not safe or could case a possible collision, a signal of 5 short blasts of the horn can be used. When all else fails, pick up your marine radio and call the other vessel or safely slow to a stop and wait for the other vessel to clear.

"Happy Birthday, America!"

Today starts the celebration of America's birthday, July 4th. As usual, our lakes and waterways will see an increased amount of boat traffic. With fireworks events, picnics, regattas and parades, the lakes and waterways will be crowded. Unfortunately, a lot of these holiday boaters will be focusing only on having fun. Don't get me wrong. I love to have fun on the water just like the next guy. However, ALL boaters have a responsibility to be safe boaters. And remember, alcohol and boating do not mix. According to 2008 U.S.Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics, 17 percent of fatal boating accidents are a result of the operator using alcohol or drugs. Today starts Operation Dry Water. This is a national weekend of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) detection and enforcement. The purpose is to hopefully reduce the number of alcohol and drug related accidents and fatalities and foster a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water. Be a smart boater. It is tough enough to stay safe with the addition of inexperienced boaters on the water. Don't make it worse by using alcohol and drugs. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday!

"Water, water everywhere! Bring some along to drink!"

Boy was it HOT on the water this weekend! Mid to high nineties and it is still springtime. Thank goodness we had plenty of water on board. It is so important to stay well hydrated when you are outdoors. The hotter it gets, the more fluids you need to get into your body. There is nothing better than water to supply this need. Always put water at the top of your check list and never leave the dock or landing without it! Another tip for hot days is to keep a small towel on board to dip occasionally into your cooler. This can be placed around your neck and provide an instant cool down. Then, if you are still feeling the heat, find a shady cove, toss out the anchor and jump in. And don't forget to put on a life jacket!!!!

"Dock Hopping"

One of the advantages of living on the water is the opportunity to visit your neighbors and friends by boat. Around here we call it "Dock Hopping". You never know who you may find out on their dock. Last weekend we left our dock to do a little work for our real estate business. By the end of the day, we had traveled 60+ miles and visited several friends we hadn't seen in a while. It was one of the most enjoyable days I have spent on the water in a while. If you boat in the same area for a while, even if you trailer your boat, you will acquire friends all along the shore. So the next time you're out on the water and you are tired of doing the same thing, do a little "Dock Hopping".